The Kansas City Chiefs retained three significant free agents Monday, signing punter Dustin Colquitt to a five-year deal, placing the franchise tag on left tackle Branden Albert and reportedly agreeing to a long-term contract with wide receiver Dwayne Bowe.

“We’re excited to have Dwayne on the roster for the long term,” KC head coach Andy Reid said. “Dwayne’s a big, physical receiver who has had success in this league. He is part of the Chiefs family, and it was important to him to remain in Kansas City. I’m looking forward to working with Dwayne.”

The Chiefs had until Monday afternoon to decide whether to place the franchise tag on one of their pending free agents. They did it with Albert, who will make $9,828,000 next season.

"Today was the league’s deadline to designate a franchise player and we felt it was in the best interest of the Kansas City Chiefs to place the tag on Branden," KC general manager John Dorsey said. “We will continue to negotiate with Branden and his agent to reach a deal that is mutually beneficial. We are looking forward to working with Branden in the near future.”

The decision was made easier by reaching long-term deals with Bowe and Colquitt.

Bowe was the recipient of the franchise tag last year, and despite poor quarterback play and some nagging injuries, still managed to catch 59 passes for 801 yards and three touchdowns.

The receiver tweeted his thanks to the Chiefs on Monday afternoon.

"On vacation till I got the call that changed my life. I wanna thank the Hunt Family & the Chiefs organization," he wrote.

Colquitt earned a trip to the Pro Bowl as the Chiefs' punter this season.

"We are excited that we were able to come to a long-term agreement with Dustin and keep him in Kansas City,” Dorsey said. “Dustin is an elite punter in this league, he’s done a great job for this franchise the past eight seasons, and we are looking forward to working with him.”